I've always struggled with my weight but after a few very hard years I had put on more weight than ever, reaching ~285lbs. With lots of therapy to get the emotional bingeing under control and a lot of physical work, I managed to drop down to 185lbs. Unfortunately the amount of weight gained and then lost had forever changed my body and at only 26 years old I found myself with a sad saggy tummy, and stretch breasts that nearly hit my waist. Nothing like the college body I had remembered and hoped to see once more.
When continued exercise and skin care did nothing to help over a year of weight maintenance, I decided to look into a permanent solution.
Dr. Washerman had been recommended to me by multiple friends that had varying surgeries or treatments with him. I knew that I wanted to stay as local as possible in case of any complications, and his office was only 30 minutes away from my house. I called in November 2021 and booked the earliest consultation available for February 2022.
At my consultation, I knew I was going to choose Dr. Wasserman and his team. The office was pristine (and very cool - located in an old Greyhound station), the entire team was sweet and highly attentive. He paid close attention to my wants, needs and concerns and walked me through a comprehensive binder of previous results from a variety of patients. I left with a quote for Dr. Wasserman's torsoplasty technique (muscle repair, flank/abdominal lipo, pubic reconstruction, and skin removal, plus a breast lift) and scheduled my appointment for June 2022.
A month before surgery I received my full packet of information including DVT information, post surgery tips, required lab work and prescriptions. On surgery day I showed up at 7am and prepped for surgery with my nurse Melissa (amazing woman!). 8 hours later I woke up with a new body! I stayed at the surgery center overnight with a wonderful night nurse, Faye (also amazing) and went home the next morning at 6am with four drains (two on top and two on bottom) and an in-dwelling catheter to reduce the times up and down.
The first few days went by in a flash thanks to the reduced narcotic pain medicine schedule and some excellent caretaking by my husband and mother. I had my catheter and top two drains removed at my first post-op three days after surgery. Within the next week and a half I had two more post op appointments to remove the remaining two drains, and switch to new stage two garments.
Now, 17 days after surgery and I'm feeling amazing! Im almost standing fully upright but still sleeping reclined on my back. I did not need to use the Oxy prescribed and was fully off of pain medicine around the 10 day mark. I could not be more impressed with my results. Every time I take off my garment to shower the swelling and bruising has reduced further. The incision lines are incredibly fine and already healing so well. I can't wait to watch the continued healing and get my final results in a few months!
Updated on 13 Jul 2022:
I’m in awe of what Dr Wasserman has done for me. Every day my swelling subsides more and more and I get to see even better results! Today I put on an outfit I took a before photo the day before surgery in to see the difference and wow. If this is four weeks of healing, I can’t wait until the 6month mark to see my full settled results!
Healing has been going so well over the past few weeks. All of the soreness left in my breasts is rapidly subsiding and I’m no long yellow from bruises! The incisions look amazing, so thin and straight and even all the way across. I’m fully upright for most of the day, though it is harder if I’ve been sitting or curled over for a bit.
This is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
Updated on 19 Jul 2022:
Things are just getting better and better. The incision lines are sooooo fine and even, Dr Wasserman is a master! Still standing a little crooked at times but I’m almost sleeping fully flat and switching slowly from side to side. Better range of motion on the breasts too now and they are less sore day by day. All of the yellow bruising and redness has pretty much gone away! I can’t believe how perky I am!
Feel free to ask any questions, I’m happy to answer!
Updated on 21 Jul 2022:
Updated on 22 Jul 2022:
Healing is going so well and the incision is amazing.
Updated on 27 Jul 2022:
Going in for my 6 week post op appointment this week. I’m still in awe of the work Dr Wasserman did and I don’t think the feeling will ever go away. Best decision ever!!!
Updated on 31 Aug 2022:
Been a few weeks since the last update by my happiness keeps growing! I’m starting to finally understand that this is my body now.
All in all, I’m feeling amazing! I still get stiff and sore, especially if I’ve been sitting for long periods. I’m back to walking upwards of 4-5 miles a day and have even traveled by plane for a long period of time.
Shopping and buying new clothes has been the highlight! The difference is dramatic.
Updated on 28 Dec 2022:
Just over six months ago I went under for my abdominoplasty + breast lift with Dr. Wasserman. Every day I wake up with a body I’m proud of.
At this point I’m feeling about 95% normal. I docked 5 percent because there are still random times where my abs feel tighter than usual and my endurance is a bit worse after not doing anything for about 4 months, but in general it’s easy to forget what my body even went through!
I’m back to working out fully in a gym, heavy weight lifting and cardio. Plus other activities like hiking and climbing. My back hurts so much less with this weight and skin off!! I think to lose bother 20 pounds would put me at an optimal weight for my height at about 165, so long as I retain the muscle I’ve got.
I’m so happy!! I can’t recommend this process enough to anyone considering it.
Updated on 5 Jul 2023:
It’s been just over a year since I had my full abdominoplasty and breast lift with lipo. To say that I’m happy with the outcome is an understatement.
In the last six months I’ve been hitting the gym hard and hiking even harder. It’s easier than it ever was without the skin hanging off of me and chafing. I’m wearing bikinis I only would have dreamed of before. My old body is a distant memory. I don’t have a single regret. It’s literally perfect.
I still can’t fully feel light touch in the skin below my belly button until the incision and I’m not as flexible when arching my back but it gets better by the day. The scar is so smooth and soft now.
THANK YOU TO DR WASSERMAN and his AMAZING STAFF of nurses and PAs.